2017 Rivers Marie Cab release

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David Baum · #1 Post by **David Baum** » July 9th, 2019, 10:12 am

Save the date for Tuesday just received. Looks like a lighter release than we've seen in a while. Napa, Panek and small amount of Lore. No Calistoga or Herb Lamb.

EHeffner · #2 Post by **EHeffner** » July 9th, 2019, 10:17 am

I’ll be in for a few as 2017 is my wedding year! I think the email said free shipping as well!

#3 Post by **Bud Carey** » July 9th, 2019, 10:26 am

Apparently the Calistoga was affected by the fires.

#4 Post by **Bdklein** » July 9th, 2019, 10:31 am

Can someone post the newsletter ? The RM emails never make it to my Inbox and the info is not yet on the website .

EHeffner · #5 Post by **EHeffner** » July 9th, 2019, 10:38 am

We are pleased to announce that the release of our 2017 Rivers-Marie Cabernet Sauvignons will begin one week from today, Tuesday July 16th at 9 AM PST. As in the past, this release is via email only. At the time the offer becomes live, you will receive an email with your username and password.

The offer:

(5) 2017 Rivers-Marie Napa Cabernet Sauvignon -- $75/btl

(5) 2017 Rivers-Marie Panek Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon -- $110/btl

(2) 2017 Rivers-Marie Lore Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon -- $135/btl

*Ground shipping is included on all purchases

If you need to change your contact information in advance of the release, please email Will Segui at will@riversmarie.com<mailto:will@riversmarie.com> or call (707) 341-3127 and we will be happy to update your information.

Thank you for your continued support!

Thomas Rivers Brown and Genevieve Marie Welsh

#6 Post by **Gus Siokis** » July 9th, 2019, 11:20 am

Anyone have any press info on the new vintage?

Scott E. · #7 Post by **Scott E.** » July 9th, 2019, 11:41 am

Bud Carey wrote: ↑July 9th, 2019, 10:26 am Apparently the Calistoga was affected by the fires.

Yeah, I was bummed out about that. Other offerings (except Napa) are too rich for my blood...

David Schliecker · #8 Post by **David Schliecker** » July 9th, 2019, 12:30 pm

In doing a little bit of poking around, it looks like Herb Lamb Vineyard wasn't as affected by the fires. Does anyone know if the 2016 was a one-off or maybe RM weren't able to get fruit from them for the 2017? Just curious...

Chris Atkins · #9 Post by **Chris Atkins** » July 9th, 2019, 12:36 pm

With regard to the “Calistoga”, why were the grapes still hanging? Oct 8, in a hot growing season.

#10 Post by **T Fletcher** » July 9th, 2019, 12:49 pm

David Schliecker wrote: ↑July 9th, 2019, 12:30 pm In doing a little bit of poking around, it looks like Herb Lamb Vineyard wasn't as affected by the fires. Does anyone know if the 2016 was a one-off or maybe RM weren't able to get fruit from them for the 2017? Just curious...

The email that accompanied the Pinot release in January noted that both HL and Calistoga would be back for 2018.

EHeffner · #11 Post by **EHeffner** » July 9th, 2019, 1:00 pm

Regarding the above:

“The lineup currently looks to be Napa, Panek and a tiny bit of Lore. For us, we are going with all pre-fire picks. In Napa, there were some really good lots picked after the fires but not for Rivers-Marie. No Herb Lamb or Calistoga in 2017 but you will see them return in 2018.”

#12 Post by **Gus Siokis** » July 9th, 2019, 1:02 pm

From the email earlier this year:

Speaking of Cabernet, the outlook for quantity looks pretty poor for 2017. We have been making some hard blending cuts over the course of the last several months. The lineup currently looks to be Napa, Panek and a tiny bit of Lore. For us, we are going with all pre-fire picks. In Napa, there were some really good lots picked after the fires but not for Rivers-Marie. No Herb Lamb or Calistoga in 2017 but you will see them return in 2018.

To wrap with a little good news, 2018 looks phenomenal. One of the most ideal growing seasons in our brief history has produced stellar wines across all varietals. Temperatures were moderate for the entire growing season allowing for maximum hang time and true ripeness at lower than average brix. The color saturation for 2018 is intense but the wines are well balanced by a sturdy fruit core and buffering tannins and acidity. The wines are finely chiseled already and we look forward to seeing how they develop over the next few months.

#13 Post by **Anthony V** » July 9th, 2019, 1:25 pm

Jeb Dunnuck's scores from a barrel tasting in Jan

2017 Panek
(96-98)
I was able to taste two barrel samples from 2017, both showing beautifully, that should satisfy anyone who’s concerned about the overall quality of the 2017 vintage. The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Panek Vineyard offers an exotic, perfumed bouquet of blue fruits, violets, and blood orange, and it’s flamboyant and sexy on the palate, with its classic rich yet weightless style. It’s unquestionably a beautiful wine.

2017 Lore
(98-100)
The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Lore Vineyard tastes like the 2016 did at this stage and appears to be another magical wine. One of the deepest, most layered and concentrated 2017s I was able to taste, it has classic Cabernet cassis and currant fruits, good complexity and minerality, full body, ripe tannins, and a great, great finish. This is the real deal and a thrilling wine that’s going to check in near the top of the vintage.

EHeffner · #14 Post by **EHeffner** » July 9th, 2019, 1:26 pm

Any notes or scores on the Napa?

#15 Post by **Gus Siokis** » July 9th, 2019, 1:32 pm

Thanks, Anthony!

#16 Post by **Frank Z** » July 9th, 2019, 2:41 pm

Really enjoyed the PN release earlier this year, so equally excited, if not more excited for this Cab release. Will be going in for a couple.

EHeffner · #17 Post by **EHeffner** » July 9th, 2019, 3:23 pm

For those who have purchased before, did you find the premium for the Lore worth it over the other SVD? Seems like the Lore will make a great anniversary wine in the future. Will probably grab one either way

#18 Post by **C. Keller** » July 9th, 2019, 3:59 pm

Is the 5,5, or 2 next to each one the number of bottles we're allocated?

#19 Post by **Gus Siokis** » July 9th, 2019, 4:01 pm

Russ Williams · #20 Post by **Russ Williams** » July 9th, 2019, 4:23 pm

EHeffner wrote: ↑July 9th, 2019, 3:23 pm For those who have purchased before, did you find the premium for the Lore worth it over the other SVD? Seems like the Lore will make a great anniversary wine in the future. Will probably grab one either way

If your a Cab fan I would say buy 2-3 Lore and call it a day.

July 9th, 2019, 4:56 pm

Glad to hear that no post-fire fruit is included. It might be great, but it takes a risk off the table for all of us that aren't able to taste them prior to purchase.

Maybe we should start a thread for people to post what vineyards had fruit still hanging during the fires? I wouldn't outright avoid those, but proceed with caution and do further investigation before purchasing them.

blarmston · #22 Post by **blarmston** » July 9th, 2019, 5:29 pm

I have been buying RM for the past several years, and in my opinion the Lore and the Panek are the best in the lineup. Although the latter needs serious sleep time in the cellar (especially the 16). Bummed that there is no Herb Lamb this year, but will try and bury some extra funds in the backyard in anticipation of the 18’s. Across the board there, I will be a buyer for sure...

#23 Post by **Michael Martin** » July 9th, 2019, 6:14 pm

I am sure I am the outlier here, but the cabs just don’t capture my attention. I sold off all the ones I bought. Just not my style.

#24 Post by **Chris H.** » July 9th, 2019, 7:17 pm

I’ve opened one 2016 Lore and I felt it was amazing but very young. I cannot wait to see how it shows with more bottle age. The 2016 Napa Valley bottling has been great, and similar to the Becklyn Napa, such is to say very good.

#25 Post by **C. Keller** » July 9th, 2019, 7:22 pm

I would assume these will get shipped in September/October?

#26 Post by **Bdklein** » July 9th, 2019, 8:03 pm

Michael Martin wrote: ↑July 9th, 2019, 6:14 pm I am sure I am the outlier here, but the cabs just don’t capture my attention. I sold off all the ones I bought. Just not my style.

Can you elaborate? Just curious . Thanks

#27 Post by **Michael Martin** » July 9th, 2019, 8:17 pm

Bdklein wrote: ↑July 9th, 2019, 8:03 pm
Michael Martin wrote: ↑July 9th, 2019, 6:14 pm I am sure I am the outlier here, but the cabs just don’t capture my attention. I sold off all the ones I bought. Just not my style.
Can you elaborate? Just curious . Thanks

I like black cherry, tobacco, leathery cabs with complexity that are approachable in the near term. The RM’s to me seem more dense, black fruit, espresso, tannic, brooding. Probably great with time, but.... I took a shot with these. Just not my style. I really like Congruence, if you are familiar with those. That’s my style.

#28 Post by **Albert R** » July 10th, 2019, 5:06 am

Michael Martin wrote: ↑July 9th, 2019, 8:17 pm
Bdklein wrote: ↑July 9th, 2019, 8:03 pm
Michael Martin wrote: ↑July 9th, 2019, 6:14 pm I am sure I am the outlier here, but the cabs just don’t capture my attention. I sold off all the ones I bought. Just not my style.
Can you elaborate? Just curious . Thanks
I like black cherry, tobacco, leathery cabs with complexity that are approachable in the near term. The RM’s to me seem more dense, black fruit, espresso, tannic, brooding. Probably great with time, but.... I took a shot with these. Just not my style. I really like Congruence, if you are familiar with those. That’s my style.

I like them both but prefer the Congruence style and price point. I wish Steve was still making it.

#29 Post by **Steve Nordhoff** » July 10th, 2019, 7:12 am

blarmston wrote: ↑July 9th, 2019, 5:29 pm I have been buying RM for the past several years, and in my opinion the Lore and the Panek are the best in the lineup. Although the latter needs serious sleep time in the cellar (especially the 16). Bummed that there is no Herb Lamb this year, but will try and bury some extra funds in the backyard in anticipation of the 18’s. Across the board there, I will be a buyer for sure...

Solid advice here.
2017 Lore should be amazing.

#30 Post by **Bdklein** » July 10th, 2019, 8:08 am

Michael Martin wrote: ↑July 9th, 2019, 8:17 pm
Bdklein wrote: ↑July 9th, 2019, 8:03 pm
Michael Martin wrote: ↑July 9th, 2019, 6:14 pm I am sure I am the outlier here, but the cabs just don’t capture my attention. I sold off all the ones I bought. Just not my style.
Can you elaborate? Just curious . Thanks
I like black cherry, tobacco, leathery cabs with complexity that are approachable in the near term. The RM’s to me seem more dense, black fruit, espresso, tannic, brooding. Probably great with time, but.... I took a shot with these. Just not my style. I really like Congruence, if you are familiar with those. That’s my style.

Gotcha . Thx.

Mike Van1 · #31 Post by **Mike Van1** » July 10th, 2019, 10:02 am

Last year was my first year with RM and only purchased a few 2016 Napa’s, one Lore, and one Herb Lamb. Haven’t had the Lamb yet but have enjoyed a few of the Napa’s as well as the Lore. Kicking myself for not maxing out the Lore purchase last year. Picked up some more 2016 Napa’s via retail while in Napa this year and will continue to do so when I find them. Won’t make the same mistake this year and will max out the Napa and Lore allocation. Will buy a few Paneks as well to try. RM is a great bang for the buck.

#32 Post by **AlexS** » July 10th, 2019, 11:00 am

Michael Martin wrote: ↑July 9th, 2019, 8:17 pm
Bdklein wrote: ↑July 9th, 2019, 8:03 pm
Michael Martin wrote: ↑July 9th, 2019, 6:14 pm I am sure I am the outlier here, but the cabs just don’t capture my attention. I sold off all the ones I bought. Just not my style.
Can you elaborate? Just curious . Thanks
I like black cherry, tobacco, leathery cabs with complexity that are approachable in the near term. The RM’s to me seem more dense, black fruit, espresso, tannic, brooding. Probably great with time, but.... I took a shot with these. Just not my style. I really like Congruence, if you are familiar with those. That’s my style.

Really? I've always found TRB's cabs to be among the most red-fruited I've ever had from Napa. He often coaxes out a blood orange note that I've rarely encountered in other Napa Cabernet, same w/hints of red bean paste. Been drinking them since the 2007 vintage and can't say I've noticed any kind of coffee/espresso note...maybe from a Schrader or two but I haven't one in a few years.

That said, if you're looking for more of a left bank Bordeaux-style Cab, R-M is certainly not that.

#33 Post by **AlexS** » July 10th, 2019, 11:02 am

Should add I'm in for the case, one of the few Napa Cabs I still buy.

EHeffner · #34 Post by **EHeffner** » July 16th, 2019, 8:51 am

Offer is live. In for 2 Napa and 1 Lore. Free shipping but minimum 3 bottles

EHeffner · #35 Post by **EHeffner** » July 16th, 2019, 8:55 am

C. Keller wrote: ↑July 9th, 2019, 7:22 pm I would assume these will get shipped in September/October?

At checkout, there were two December dates to choose from

KyleC · #36 Post by **KyleC** » July 16th, 2019, 8:56 am

In for one of each

David Baum · #37 Post by **David Baum** » July 16th, 2019, 9:10 am

2 Lore
1 Panek
3 Napa

#38 Post by **Bud Carey** » July 16th, 2019, 9:16 am

Bought Napa and Lore.

#39 Post by **MikeHill** » July 16th, 2019, 9:17 am

2 each Napa, Panek, Lore

NED VALOIS · #40 Post by **NED VALOIS** » July 16th, 2019, 9:17 am

DITTO

#41 Post by **Joe B** » July 16th, 2019, 9:18 am

Does Rivers Marie offer wish list?

I’m in for six pack.

crickey · #42 Post by **crickey** » July 16th, 2019, 9:20 am

Lore and Panek for me.

Mike Van1 · #43 Post by **Mike Van1** » July 16th, 2019, 9:23 am

In for:
5 Napa
3 Panek
2 Lore

Hao Lu · #44 Post by **Hao Lu** » July 16th, 2019, 9:40 am

ordered 2 Napa, 2 Panek, 2 Lore

#45 Post by **Gil H** » July 16th, 2019, 9:43 am

In for 1 each

David Baum · #46 Post by **David Baum** » July 16th, 2019, 9:45 am

Joe B wrote: ↑July 16th, 2019, 9:18 am Does Rivers Marie offer wish list?

I’m in for six pack.

In the past they may have but production was less than half normal this year. They did say there were some Panek and Lore mags available on request

#47 Post by **Albert R** » July 16th, 2019, 9:47 am

Napa and Lore for me. I had a 2014 Napa this weekend that was singing!

#48 Post by **Eric White** » July 16th, 2019, 9:55 am

2/2/2

#49 Post by **Anton D** » July 16th, 2019, 10:02 am

I don't even know how many. I just hit "Buy your full allocation" and ran with it.

These are lovely wines.

July 16th, 2019, 10:35 am

2 Lore, 2 Panek